Novikov Doha joins Lusail International Circuit hospitality for Formu…

Doha, Qatar: Lusail International Circuit (LIC) has partnered with Novikov Doha to introduce an exclusive hospitality offering, further enhancing its premium guest experience and setting a new benchmark for Formula 1 hospitality in Qatar.

Renowned for its fusion of Pan-Asian and Italian cuisine and a heritage rooted in London's Mayfair, Novikov will bring its signature style to the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2026. palladian.co.za

Guided by the brand's philosophy of bold flavour and refined presentation, the experience will showcase Novikov's celebrated dishes that are crafted with the finest ingredients and impeccable standards, making Novikov a global name in contemporary dining.

The Novikov experience will be hosted in Premiere Hospitality, located at the end of the Main Straight with direct views of Turn 1.

Guests will enjoy climate-controlled indoor seating alongside an outdoor terrace, overlooking one of the circuit's main overtaking areas.

As the F1 cars race down the straight and brake into the first corner, guests will be able to follow the action from one of the best viewing points at Lusail International Circuit.

The experience will be complemented by premium cuisine, along with a selection of Novikov's classics and signature dishes.

Exclusive live entertainment, including cultural performances and professional DJs, creating an elevated atmosphere.
Hospitality packages are now available via F1 Experiences.

Guests are encouraged to secure their hospitality packages early, as availability is limited.

Doha, Qatar: South Africa legend Graeme Smith thinks next year’s Men’s Cricket World Cup will be a landmark moment for the game, highlighting the tournament’s return to Africa and the prestige of the 50-over showcase.

South Africa last co-hosted the tournament in 2003, alongside Zimbabwe and Kenya. They will stage the 2027 tournament alongside Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“It’s been a long time coming since Africa or South Africa hosted a men’s world cricket event again,” Smith said on a star-studded evening in Johannesburg which marked the announcement of the 12 venues that will stage the competition.

“I think the vibrancy of these three nations, the quality of players, the fan base certainly deserves a world event in the game, so it’s great to have it back.”

Smith also underlined why the Cricket World Cup continues to hold a unique place in world cricket despite the sport’s evolving landscape.

The 2027 edition will be the 14th Men’s Cricket World Cup and the first to feature 14 teams since 2015. Smith went on to compare the success of the recently-concluded FIFA World Cup 2026, where 48 teams took part to make the event a massive success.

“We’ve just come off a football World Cup where you’ve seen a massive amount of nations compete and the cultures and the coming together of many different countries getting behind their teams,” he added.

“It’s amazing. With 14 teams now, you hope that many people decide to come and travel to South Africa and be a part of the event."

A fearless leader who epitomises grit and resilience. Graeme Smith - a pillar of South African cricket and a leader like no other. The 2027 tournament will feature 14 teams, an increase from the 10-team format at the previous two Men’s Cricket World Cups.

The marquee tournament slated for next year will be hosted across eight venues in South Africa, three in Zimbabwe and the Namibia Cricket Ground in the Namibian capital city of Windhoek. It will mark only the third occasion of the tournament being staged across three host nations after 1996 and 2003. — ICC

أكد الاتحادان الأوروبي والآسيوي لكرة القدم /‏يويفا/‏ ترحيبهما بتراجع الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم /‏فيفا/‏ عن مقترح بيع حصة في العمليات التجارية المرتبطة بكأس العالم لمستثمرين من القطاع الخاص.
وجاء في بيان «يويفا»إن مقترح الاتحاد الدولي قوبل بالرفض بالإجماع من الاتحادات الوطنية الأعضاء في الاتحاد الأوروبي، إلى جانب عدد من الاتحادات الأخرى حول العالم، مشيرا إلى أن مهمتها تتمثل في حماية كرة القدم والحفاظ على مصالحها. من جانبه رحب الشيخ سلمان بن إبراهيم آل خليفة رئيس الاتحاد الآسيوي، بقرار /‏فيفا/‏.وأعرب الشيخ سلمان، في بيان نشر على الموقع الرسمي للاتحاد القاري، عن أمله في أن يتم مستقبلاً طرح أي مبادرة من شأنها التأثير في كرة القدم العالمية للتشاور ومناقشتها مع الاتحادات القارية، ومجلس الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، والاتحادات الوطنية الأعضاء، وجميع أطراف اللعبة، في الوقت المناسب وبصورة شفافة وهادفة.

Sauna vs steam room is one of the most common questions homeowners and spa facility owners ask when planning a wellness space, since both promise relaxation and health benefits but work in completely different ways. A sauna uses dry heat and low humidity, while a steam room relies on near-100% humidity at a lower temperature — and that single difference changes almost everything about how each one feels, what it costs to install, and who it suits best.

This guide breaks down the real differences so gym owners, spa operators, and homeowners in Doha can choose the right option for their space.

What Is a Sauna?

A sauna is a small room heated to between 70°C and 100°C using either a wood, electric, or infrared heater. Humidity stays low, typically under 20%, which is what allows the air to feel hot without being unbearable. Traditional Finnish saunas use heated rocks, while modern infrared sauna Qatar installations use infrared panels that heat the body directly rather than the surrounding air.

What Is a Steam Room?

A steam room operates very differently. It runs at a much lower temperature, usually around 40°C to 45°C, but with humidity levels close to 100%. A steam generator produces continuous vapor that fills the sealed, tiled room, creating an intensely humid environment that feels hot despite the lower air temperature.

Sauna vs Steam Room: Key Differences

Heat Type

The core distinction in any sauna vs steam room comparison comes down to dry heat versus wet heat. Saunas deliver dry, radiant heat, while steam rooms deliver moist, enveloping heat. This is why a sauna at 90°C can feel more tolerable than a steam room at 45°C — humidity changes how the body perceives temperature.

Construction and Materials

Saunas are typically built from wood, since wood insulates well and does not retain moisture. Steam rooms, on the other hand, require waterproof, non-porous materials like tile, glass, or acrylic, along with a fully sealed door and proper drainage to handle constant condensation.

Health Benefits

Both offer genuine wellness benefits, but they differ slightly:

• Sauna health benefits include improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and detoxification through sweating in dry heat.
• Steam room benefits include opening airways, hydrating skin, and easing congestion, since the moist heat is gentler on the respiratory system.

People with respiratory conditions such as asthma or sinus issues often find steam rooms more comfortable, while those looking for deep muscle relaxation after training tend to prefer sauna sessions.

Installation and Maintenance

Steam rooms generally require more complex installation, including waterproofing, proper drainage, and ventilation systems to manage humidity. Saunas are comparatively simpler to install, particularly modern infrared units, which need less structural modification than traditional heated-rock designs.

Running Costs

Saunas typically cost less to run per session since electric or infrared heaters use less energy over a shorter warm-up time. Steam rooms need a steam generator running continuously to maintain humidity, which can increase electricity and water usage over time.

Which One Should You Choose?

For Home Installations

If you’re comparing options for home sauna installation Qatar versus a home steam room, consider your space and priorities. Saunas are easier to retrofit into existing rooms, while steam rooms need waterproofing work that suits new-build or renovation projects better.

For Gyms and Spas

Commercial gyms and spas often install both, since each caters to a different member preference. High-end fitness centers and hotel spas in Doha frequently pair a sauna with a steam room to offer guests a complete heat therapy experience.

For Recovery and Athletic Use

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts recovering from intense training often lean toward sauna sessions for muscle relaxation, while steam rooms are favored for respiratory relief and skin hydration after cardio-heavy workouts.

Steam Room Installation Cost Considerations

Steam room installation cost depends heavily on room size, waterproofing requirements, and the capacity of the steam generator needed. Larger commercial installations for gyms or spas require more powerful generators and additional ventilation planning compared to a single home unit.

Choosing a Spa Equipment Supplier in Qatar

Working with an established commercial spa equipment supplier ensures your sauna or steam room is sized correctly, properly waterproofed, and fitted with the right heating or steam capacity for your space. Poor installation is the most common reason spa rooms fail early or develop moisture damage.

Sports Village Qatar supplies and installs both sauna and steam room systems for homes, gyms, and hotels across Doha, working with globally recognized brands such as Oceanic Saunas, a specialist manufacturer of Finnish and infrared saunas and steam rooms, and Hot Springs for premium spa equipment. You can learn more about the full range of services on the About Us page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a sauna or steam room better for weight loss? Neither causes real fat loss — both primarily cause water loss through sweating. Any weight change is temporary and returns once you rehydrate.

Can I install a sauna and steam room in the same space? Not in the same room, since a sauna needs dry conditions and a steam room needs full waterproofing, but many gyms and homes install them side by side.

Which is better for sore muscles after a workout, sauna or steam room? A sauna’s dry heat is generally more effective for muscle relaxation, while a steam room is better suited for easing congestion and hydrating skin.

How much humidity does a steam room actually have? Steam rooms typically run at close to 100% humidity, compared to under 20% humidity in a traditional sauna.

Who installs sauna and steam rooms in Doha? Sports Village Qatar provides full sauna room installation Doha and steam room installation services, including supply, fitting, and after-sales support.

Choosing between a sauna and a steam room comes down to the experience you want and the space you have available. The team at Sports Village Qatar can help you compare options and plan the right installation for your home or facility.

REQUEST A FREE SAUNA & STEAM ROOM QUOTE — CALL NOW →

Address: Sports Village, Building No 86, Street 340, Zone 39, Near Jarir Book Store, Ramada Signal, Salwa Road, Doha, Qatar Phone: +974 4450 1166 / +974 5515 6973